A police Warrant Officer is expected to appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape on Thursday on a charge of corruption.
The police official, who has 30 years service with the SAPS, was arrested on Wednesday following an ongoing investigation to the allegations of corruption.
“Initial investigation suggests that on March 12, 2024, the Warrant Officer stationed at Vredenburg Detective Services requested a suspect in a criminal case to meet him at a nearby shopping complex. Reports further suggested that the member requested a payment of R1,500 for his efforts to ensure that the case of driving under the influence of alcohol will be withdrawn.
“The conduct of the police officer was reported and eventually transferred to the Western Cape Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation,” said police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi.
The Western Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile issued a stern warning against corruption within police ranks in the province and made it clear that the SAPS remains committed to a zero-tolerance approach in this regard.
Executive Director of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, Billy Claasen welcomed the arrest of the police officer.
Claasen said the accused cop is well known in the area and is the Seniro Detective of the Vredenburg Detective Branch.
“We are of the view that while he has the right for bail, he needs to formally apply for it like any other ordinary person.
“He, as a cop should have known of better. To make dockets disappear and / or sell it to criminals is a very serious offence, and his alleged action probably has kept dangerous criminals unpunished and outside on the streets.
“This is a breakthrough in the fight against corruption within the SAPS. We are of the view that police officers need to undergo a yearly lifestyle audit to see where they get all their income from. This will also minimise corrupt action within the police,” Claasen said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL